Bushrod Park was established on land willed to the City of Oakland in 1903 by the Philadelphia physician, Dr. Bushrod James. Since then, scores of professional athletes have gotten their start in North Oakland on Bushrod Park’s fields. Famously, Bushrod Park’s alumni roster includes basketball players like Gary Payton, Jason Kidd and Leon Powe, as well as baseball players like Frank Robinson, Rickey Henderson and Curt Flood.

The National Football League’s Oakland Raiders even used Bushrod Park as their practice facility in the early 1960s. Bushrod Park’s notable athletic history extends back to the 1930s, when Don Budge learned to play tennis at the park while living in the neighborhood.

Park Activities

With its baseball and soccer fields, basketball and tennis courts and well-programmed recreation center, Bushrod Park is one of Oakland’s most active neighborhood spaces. Tennis and pickleball players gather in the morning chill. Little leaguers roam the ball fields. Groups of friends lounge and listen to music on the expansive grounds.

Parents and children rotate through the recreation center. Bushrod Park’s 10 acres make it one of Oakland largest parks, with space for everyone. Online reviewers note that Bushrod Park is “full of families enjoying themselves” with “very good community vibes” and “an unexpectedly beautiful view across the Bay to the Golden Gate Bridge.”